Times not to visit: June and February it is very difficult to see Elephants and other wildlife.

Elephants by an lake - Mole National Park (c) BigPhoto

There are larger groups of elephants, roaming the park.

Mole National Park

Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife refuge. The park was established one year, after Ghana gained independence, from British colonial rule.

The park is located in northwest Ghana on grassland savanna and riparian ecosystems at an elevation of 150 m, with sharp escarpment forming the southern boundary of the park. The park's entrance is reached through the nearby town of Larabanga. The Lovi and Mole Rivers are ephemeral rivers flowing through the park, leaving behind only drinking holes during the long dry season. This area of Ghana receives over 1000 mm per year of rainfall. A long-term study has been done on Mole National Park to understand the impact of human hunters on the animals in the preserve.

Elephant - Mole National Park (c) BigPhoto

Unlike many other wildlife reserves in Africa, Mole offers visitors the opportunity to drive or walk throughout the park at very reasonable costs.

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Mole National Park - Mole National Park, which extends over 500 sq. km., is a fairly basic but eminently inexpensive destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The game population is abundant, and includes elephants, various species of antelope, an abundant and diverse bird population, monkeys and crocodiles, and even a small number of lions.

The park's lands were set aside as a wildlife refuge in 1958. In 1971 the small human population of the area was relocated and the lands were designated a national park.

The park has not seen major development as a tourist location since its original designation.

The park as a protective area is underfunded and national and international concerns exist about poaching and sustainability in the park, but its protection of important resident antelope species has improved since its initial founding as a preserve.

The park is home to over 93 mammal species, and the large mammals of the park include an elephant population, hippos, buffalo, and warthogs.

Of the 33 known species of reptiles slender-snouted and dwarf crocodile are found in the park. Sightings of hyenas, lions and leopards are unusual, but these carnivores were once more common in the park. There are 344 listed bird species. The park is considered a primary African preserve for antelope species.

Entrance FeesEntry fee (as of Nov 2016) for foreign adults is 40 Ghana Cedis and that of foreign students is 20 Ghana Cedis. However, foreigners who will claim to be students must authenticate that with an ID. Hourly charge of 3 Ghana Cedis is then paid for tours by both foreigner and locals. 100 - 200 Ghana Cedis is also paid for hiring vehicle for safari tours. In any case, if you have your own 4×4 vehicle, you can drive yourself but with an armed ranger. Separate amounts are charged at the entrance for cars, taxis, vans and busses.

How To Get There

Travelling to Mole is cool. The distance is about 658 km north of the capital, Accra and about 100 km from Techiman. One can easily reach this place as it is connected by good road network.

From the capital Accra, you can either go by air with an inter-city link fight to Tamale (Capital) and board a Trotro or rent and taxi to the park. Cost of intra-flight to Tamale range between Gh¢ 300 and Gh¢ 400. (as of Nov 2016)

You can also choose to go by a rented car, Trotro (relatively cheaper than rented cars), STC, from Accra through Kumasi to Tamale (about 70 - 80 Ghana Cedis). You can also get a Trotro car from Bole to Sawla and to Damago mostly in the mornings. Traveling day times is recommended, when using Trotro! STC is quiet save, at any time.

From Damango which is closest town you can get a car to Tamale of Kumasi and connect to Accra either by STC, OA Travel busses, or even Trotro. The Trotro system is a very common way of travelling Ghana, among all other Ghanaian transport systems, but not very comfortable and not as safe.

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